Cardiovascular Health

General Information:

Blood vessels carry oxygen-rich blood, nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to all areas and organs in the body. This allows delivery of all necessary elements for cells to function. The vessels that carry the blood away from the heart to organs are called arteries and the vessels that bring the blood from organs to the heart are called veins.

Blood vessel walls are composed of three layers: the inner, middle, and outer sections. Endothelial cells build up the inner layer of the vasculature and play important roles in normal function of the immune and clotting system. These cells, when injured by factors such as free radical activities, can stimulate the formation of inflammation. If free radical activity is increased (in the formation of inflammation), it may result in oxidation of some circulatory fats (LDL), which is commonly known as bad cholesterol. Oxidized LDL, in turn, may cause fat deposition in arterial walls. This is the initial stage of formation of fat deposits in the vessels, which is termed as a Fat streak. Fat streaks over time can grow larger resulting in a bulging of arterial walls into the vessel (plaque). As plaque continues to develop, the arteries can harden and even become blocked, and blood cannot be delivered to the area where needed.

Your blood test can help your health care provider plan an appropriate strategy, reveal the need for certain nutrients, and individualize an appropriate regimen of dietary and lifestyle recommendations with supportive dietary supplements. Specific formulas, guided by the latest scientific research, have been designed to support blood nutrition as it relates to cardiovascular health. Your health practitioner will advise you on the most appropriate formulas for your nutritional strategies.

It is important to note that the basic goal of dietary recommendations, supplementation, and lifestyle changes is to support nutritional balance, and should not replace or interfere with your medical treatment prescribed by your physician. Realize that a nutritional strategy is only one component of your overall health care plan.